WO2010089783A1

WO2010089783A1 - Sorting apparatus and method for sorting groups of containers

Info

Publication number: WO2010089783A1
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franco Alfieri
Original assignee: Sidel S.P.A. Con Socio Unico
Priority date: 2009-02-06
Filing date: 2009-02-06
Publication date: 2010-08-12

Abstract

Sorting apparatus (7) for sorting groups (3) of containers (2) which may be fed along a first axis (A), comprising a frame (10) fixed with respect to first axis (A); at least a head (20) comprising an element (21) movable with respect to frame (10) along first axis (A) and along a second axis (B) transversal with respect to first axis (A); sorting apparatus (7) further comprising first- guide and slide means (15, 16) extending along first axis (A), and second guide and slide means (14, 13) extending along second axis (B); head (20) comprises a pair of gripping flaps (25) rotatable with respect to element (21) along a third axis (C) transversal to first and second axis (A, B), and displaceable between a first and a second position gripping flaps (25) are each rotatable with respect to head (20) about a fourth axis (D) between first and second position.

Description

.

SORTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SORTING GROUPS OF

CONTAINERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sorting apparatus and to a method for sorting groups of containers .

BACKGROUND ART

Bottling lines are known, comprising a plurality of units for carrying out respective operations on containers.

Very briefly, bottling line comprises at least a rinsing unit for rinsing containers, a filling unit for filling containers with a pourable food product, a capping unit for capping the containers and a grouping unit for forming groups of containers.

Bottling lines also comprise an end station receiving groups of containers travelling on several, typically two, rows on an horizontal conveyor along an horizontal direction, a sorting apparatus for sorting the groups according to a predetermined algorithm and delivering the groups to an accumulation station at which a pallet of sorted groups is formed and thrust onto a palletiser.

In particular, groups may be fed either one after another or in pairs.

Bottling units comprise a plurality of sorting units for transferring or rotating the groups, so as to form the successive pallets.

Sorting units are controlled according to an algorithm based on the conformation of the pallets to be formed.

Patent application WO-A-2004/039705 discloses a sorting apparatus comprising a head provided with a first and a second flap. In particular, the head is movable according to the axis of an orthogonal cartesian triad and may rotate about a vertical axis.

First flap is integral with the head whereas second flap slides along a horizontal direction with respect to first flap between a gripping position and a resting position.

First and second flaps cooperate with opposite sides of a relative group in the gripping position. Differently, second flap is detached from relative group in the rest position.

In particular, first and second flap lie on a substantially vertical plane both in the resting and in the gripping position.

Furthermore, the second flap is nearer to first flap in the gripping position than in the resting position.

Due to the fact that only one flap is movable with ■espect to the head, the groups are unbalanced when rripped by the flaps.

In other words, the barycentre of each group is not ligned with the head of respective sorting apparatus, so generating a bending moment onto the respective head. Such bending moment may result in a excessive fatigue and wear loads on the mechanical component of the head.

Furthermore, due to the fact that first and second flaps lie on a vertical plane both in the gripping and in the rest position, it is necessary that flaps are parallel to travelling direction of groups when they release such groups .

Accordingly, it necessary to use a very complex sorting algorithm to ensure that flaps are parallel to the travelling direction of groups when such groups are released. Such complex algorithm results in a high number of movements of the head of the sorting apparatus and in a very long cycle time for forming each pallet. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sorting apparatus designed to provide a straightforward, low-cost solution to at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks typically associated with known sorting apparatuses.

The aforementioned object is achieved by the present invention as it relates to a sorting apparatus as defined in claim 1.

The invention also relates to a method for sorting groups of containers as claimed in claim 13. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One preferred embodiment is hereinafter disclosed for a better _^ understanding of the present invention, by way of non-limitative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a schematic view of a sorting unit comprising two sorting apparatuses according to the invention;

- figure 2 is an enlarged scale perspective view of one sorting apparatus with parts removed for clarity;

- figure 3 is a top view of a head of the sorting apparatus of figures 1 and 2;

- figure 4 is a bottom view of a head of the sorting apparatus of figure 3;

- figure 5 is a lateral view in a larger scale of the head of figures 3 and 4;

- figure 6 is a section along line VI-VI of figure 3 ; and

- figure 7 is a lateral view of the head of figures 3 to 6.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to figure 1, numeral 1 indicates a end unit of a bottling line.

Very briefly, bottling line comprises a rinsing unit for rinsing containers 2, a filling unit for filling containers 2 with a pourable product (like a food product) , a capping unit for capping containers 2 and a grouping unit for creating groups 3 of containers 2.

End unit 1 is located downstream from filling, capping and grouping units, with reference to the travelling direction of containers 2 within bottling line.

Containers 2 may be made, for example, of carton, glass or plastic.

In greater detail, end unit 1 comprises, according to the forward direction of containers 2; a receiving station 4 fed with groups 3 of containers 2 arranged in two rows parallel to one another and travelling along a horizontal axis A on a conveyor 5;

- a conveyor 6 located downstream from conveyor 5;

- a plurality of sorting apparatuses 7 (in the embodiment depicted in number of two) for sorting containers 2 travelling onto conveyor 6 according a predetermined algorithm; and

- an accumulation station 8 at which sorted groups 3 form a pallet 29 intended to be thrust onto a palletiser (not shown in Figure 1) .

For the sake of simplicity, in the following description, reference will be made to a single sorting apparatus 7.

Sorting apparatus 7 substantially comprises (Figure 2) :

- a frame 10 fixed to the ground; and

- a head 20 which may slide along axis A and -an axis B orthogonal to axis A and rotate along an axis C with respect to frame 10.

In the embodiment shown, axis B is horizontal and axis C is vertical and orthogonal to axes A, B.

Frame 10 comprises a plurality of vertical columns 11 parallel to one another and fixed to the ground, and a plurality of horizontal cross elements 12 parallel to one another and extending between columns 11. The bottom edge of each cross element 12 defines guide means 14. Guide means 14 comprise at least one guide extending along axis B.

Sorting apparatus 7 further comprises :

- a trolley 9 positioned under the cross elements 12, comprising guide means 15 and slide means 13 cooperating with guide means 14;

- slide means comprising a table 16, which may slide along axis A onto guide means 15;

- a table 17 located below table 16, rotatable about axis C with respect to table 16 and slidable integrally with table 16 along axes A, B;

- a pair of motors (not shown in figures 1 and 2) for moving slide means 13^{~ ~}ancT^~table 1^"6^" respectively^" along axis A and axis B; and

- a motor 18 for rotating table 17 about axis C. In particular, slide means 13 extend along axis B. Guide means 15 comprise at least one, preferably two horizontal guides defined by bottom edge of one cross element 12 and extending along axis A. Head 20 substantially comprises:

- a moving element defining a table 21 operatively connected to table 17; and a pair of gripping elements 23 displaceable between a gripping position (figures 3 to 7) in which they grip at least one group 3 and a resting position

(figure 2) in which they are detached from such at least one group 3.

In greater detail, each gripping element 23 comprises sliding elements defining a pair of trolleys 24 located below table 21 and operatively connected thereto, and a flap 25.

Table 17 is arranged between tables 16, 21 along axis C.

Advantageously, flaps 25 are each rotatable about an axis D with respect to table 21 between gripping and resting positions.

Furthermore, each flap 25 may slide with respect to frame 10 along an axis E orthogonal to axis D.

In the shown embodiment, axes D, E are horizontal and lie on an horizontal plane defined by axes A, B.

Depending on the angular position of head 20 about axis C, axes D, E may be parallel respectively to axes A, B (as shown in Figure 2) , orthogonal to axes D, E or sloped with respect to axes A, B.

In particular, trolleys 24 of each gripping element

23 may slide along axis E on respective guides 28 located on the bottom side of table 21 (figure 4) .

Each flap 25 comprises a frame 26 hinged to trolley

24 along a respective axis D, and a pad 27 adapted to cooperate with a group 3 in the gripping position, so that each flap constitutes a gripping flap.

When flaps 25 are in the resting position, the distance between flaps 25 and conveyor 6 is greater than the height of containers 2 measured along axis C.

In particular, pads 27 of flaps 25 lie parallel to conveyor 6 and substantially horizontal when flaps 25 are in resting position.

Differently, pads 27 of flaps 25 lie orthogonal to conveyor 6 and substantially vertical when flaps 25 are in gripping position.

In greater detail, head 20 comprises (figures 2, 5 and 6) :

- a pair of motors 30 arranged below table 21 and on respective opposite sides of table 21;

- a pair of cranks 31 rotatable along respective axes parallel to axis D and operatively connected with respective motors 30;

- a pair of connecting rods 32 each hinged, at its opposite end, to a relative crank 31 and to an element 33 which is, in turn, hinged to frame 26 of relative flap 25 about relative axis D.

Furthermore, head 20 comprises (figures 2, 4, 5 and 7):

- a motor 35 located above table 21 (figure 2) ;

- a toothed pinion 36 which may rotate along axis C and connected to motor 35; and a pair of toothed racks 37 extending along respective direction parallel to axis E, meshing with pinion 36 and operatively connected with frame 26 of a relative flap 25, and arranged between guides 28.

Sorting apparatus 7 also comprise a plurality, in the number of four, of leverages 41 each arranged between tables 17, 21 (figure 2) .

Leverages 41 allow to have head 20 linked to table 17 and they define regulating means 40 (figure 2) for regulating the position of head 20 along axis C on the basis of the height of groups 3.

Two leverages 41 connect a first side of table 17 with a respective first side of table 21 whereas the other two leverages 41 connect a second side, opposite to first side, of table 17 to a second side, opposite to first side, of table 21.

More precisely, each leverage 41 comprises a pair of rods 42 crossing one another and having each a first end hinged to table 17 and a second end hinged to table 21.

Rods 42 are vertical and inclined with respect to axis A.

It is important to highlight that the position of head 20 is not regulated during the sorting of groups 3, but before or after the operation of sorting apparatus 7.

In other words, each point of groups 3 is maintained in a respective plane parallel to axes A, B, when head 20 and flaps 25 rotate about axis C.

The inclination of rods 42 may vary as a result of an external regulation.

In this way, when each rod 42 approaches a respective vertical position, head 20 is lowered with respect to conveyor 6.

Differently, when each rod 42 approaches respective horizontal position, head 20 is raised with respect to conveyor 6.

In use, groups 3 are fed along axis A to receiving station 4 in two rows parallel one another.

More precisely, groups 3 may be fed to each row one after one, in pairs or in triplets.

Sorting apparatuses 7 grip relative groups (or group) 3, displace relative groups (or group) 3 at the same speed of conveyor 6 along axis A and displace relative groups (or group) 3 along axis B on the basis of the conformation of the pallet 29 to be formed.

Furthermore, if required by the conformation of pallet 29 to be formed, sorting apparatuses 7 can rotate relative groups (or group) 3 about axis C of an appropriate angle, usually of ninety degrees.

The operation of end unit 1 will be described hereinafter with reference to only one sorting apparatus 7 and the relative group 3, and starting from the resting position of flaps 25.

Furthermore, the operation of end unit 1 will be hereinafter described starting from a configuration, in which groups (or group) 3 of containers 2 are below head 20 of sorting apparatus 7. The assembly comprising tables 16, 17 and head 20 slides on guides means 15 along axis A with the same speed as conveyor 6.

At this stage, motors 30 rotate respective cranks 31 in a first direction parallel to axis D, so that connecting rods 32 and elements 33 rotate flaps 25 in a first direction about respective axes D until flaps 25 reach the gripping position, wherein they grip groups (group) 3.

At the same time, motor 35 rotates pinion 36 in a first direction and racks 37 slide with flaps 25 parallel to axis E until pads 27 cooperate with respective opposite sides of groups (group) 3.

Slide means 13 slides on guide means 14 along axis B together with tables 16, 17, head 20 and gripped groups (group) 3. Consequently, groups (group) 3 are (is) displaced along axis B in a predetermined position associated to final conformation of pallet 29.

In case it is necessary to rotate groups (group) 3 about axis C as a result of the required conformation of a pallet 29, motor 18 is operated to rotate table 17, leverages 41 and head 20 appropriately. An usual rotation is of ninety degrees, but other angular value are contemplatable .

Accordingly, groups (group) 3 gripped by flaps 25 are rotated about axis C.

Once groups (group) 3 have (has) been rotated, motor 35 rotates pinion 36 in a second direction opposite to first direction, and racks 37 slide with flaps 25 parallel to axis E until pads 27 are detached from respective opposite sides of groups (group) 3.

Subsequently, motors 30 rotate respective cranks 31 in a second direction, opposite to first direction, parallel to respective axes D. As a consequence, connecting rods 32 and elements 33 displace rotate flaps 25 about respective axes D and displace flaps 25 into the resting position.

Sorted groups 3 form pallet 29 at accumulation station 8 and are, subsequently, thrust onto a palletizer (not shown) .

The motors controlling slide means 13 and table 16 and motors 18, 30, 35 are controlled by the algorithm on the basis of the required final conformation of pallet 29.

In case it is necessary to sort groups 3 of different sizes, the position of head 20 is raised or lowered with respect to conveyor 6 through regulating means 40 when the end unit 1 is not operative.

From an analysis of the features of sorting apparatus 7 and of method for sorting groups 3 of containers 2 made according to the present invention, the advantages it allows to obtain are apparent.

Due to the fact that flaps 25 are rotatable along respective axes D for reaching the gripping position, groups (group) 3 are balanced when gripped.

In fact, the barycentre of groups (group) 3 gripped by flaps 20 of each sorting apparatus 7 is substantially aligned with axis C of respective head 20.

Accordingly, the bending moment generated by the weight of groups (group) 3 on head 20 as well as the resulting fatigue and wear loads are very low when compared with the solution discussed in the introductory part of the present description.

Furthermore, due to the fact that flaps 25 in the resting position are at a higher distance from conveyor 6 than the height of groups (group) 3, it is always possible to release sorted groups (group) 3 when flaps 25 are in resting position.

Therefore, the number of operations required for sorting the groups 3 and forming a pallet 29 with a given conformation are reduced when compared with the solution discussed in the introductory part of the present description.

Accordingly, the cycle time required to form a pallet 29 and the complexity of the algorithm controlling the movement of head 20 are reduced when compared with the solution discussed in the introductory part of the present description.

Due to the fact that flaps 25 may slide along axis E with respect to one another, the sorting apparatus 7 according to the invention may effectively sort groups (group) 3 having various sizes and/or fed them to receiving station 4 in various manners.

In particular, flaps 25 may easily sort and/or fed individual groups 3 or packages of groups 3, such as for example packages consisting of two or more groups.

Accordingly, the flexibility of sorting apparatus 7 is particularly enhanced.

Finally, sorting apparatus 7 is particularly advantageous when compared with known apparatuses having one or more sorting robots having a head provided with gripping flaps and hinged to a movable arm.

In fact, it is possible to process very heavy groups (group) 3 by simply providing sorting apparatus 7 with a frame 10 having the necessary mechanical strength, when compared to known apparatuses having one or more sorting robots, wherein the weight of groups that may be processed is limited by the mechanical strength of the hinge between the head and the arm of the sorting robot (s). The mechanical strength of such hinge cannot be enhanced as simply as the mechanical strength of frame 10.

Finally, it is apparent that modifications and variants not departing from the scope of protection of the claims may be made to sorting apparatus 7 and to the method for sorting groups 3 of containers 2.

Claims

1.- A sorting apparatus (7) for sorting groups (3) of containers (2) which may be fed along a first axis (A), comprising:

- a frame (10) fixed with respect to said first axis (A) ;

- at least a head (20) comprising an element (21) movable with respect to said frame (10) along said first axis (A) and along a second axis (B) transversal with respect to said first axis (A) ;

- first guide means (14) and slide means (13) arranged between said element (21) and said frame (10), and extending along said first axis (A) ;

- second guide means (15) and slide means (16) arranged between said element (21) and said frame (10), and extending along said second axis (B) ; said head (20) comprising a pair of gripping flaps

(25) rotatable with respect to said element (21) along a third axis (C) transversal to said first and second axes

(A; B) with respect to said frame (10), and displaceable between a first position in which they cooperate with respective portions of at least one said group (3) and a second position in which they are detached from respective said portions of said one group (3); characterized in that said gripping flaps (25) are each rotatable with respect to said head (20) about a fourth axis (D) between said first and second position. 2.- The sorting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping flaps (25) are movable with respect to one another along a fifth axis (E) transversal to said fourth axis (D) .

3.- The sorting apparatus according- to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said groups (3) may be fed on a plane (6) along said first axis (A), and in that the distance between said plane (6) and said gripping flaps (25) in said second position is greater than the height of said groups (3) measured along said third axis (C) .

4.- The sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said gripping flaps (25) are substantially parallel to said plane (6) in said second position.

5.- The sorting apparatus according to anyone of the foregoing claims, characterized in that said element (21) may rotate with respect to said frame (10) about said third axis (C) and in that said gripping flaps (25) may rotate integrally with said element (21) about said third axis (C) .

6.- The sorting apparatus according to anyone of previous claim, characterized by comprising regulating means (40) for regulating the position of said head (20) along said third axis (C) on the basis of the size of said group (3 ) .

1.- The sorting apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by comprising a first table (17) which may rotate with respect to said frame (10) about said third axis (C) and in that said element (21) defines a second table (21) comprising a pair of guides (28); each gripping flap (25) comprising at least one sliding element (24) which may slide on said guide (28); said regulating means (40) comprising at least one leverage (41) arranged between said first and second table (17, 21).

8.- The sorting apparatus according to anyone of foregoing claims, characterized in that said head (20) comprises :

- at least one crank (31) rotatable parallel to said fourth axis (D);

- a member (33) hinged to a respective gripping flap (25) about said fourth axis (D) ; and

- a connecting rod (32) hinged to said crank (31) and said member (33) .

9.- The sorting apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by comprising a first motor (18) for rotating said second table (21) along said third axis (C) and a second motor (30) for rotating said crank (31) parallel to said fourth axis (D) ; said first and second motors (18; 35) being independent of one another.

10.- Sorting apparatus according to anyone of claims 2 to 9, characterized by comprising a pinion (36) and a pair of racks (37) each operatively connected to a respective gripping flap (25) and meshing said pinion (36); said racks (37) extending parallel to said fifth axis (E) .

11.- The sorting apparatus according to claim 10, characterized by comprising a third motor (35) for rotating said pinion (36) , said first, second and third motor (18; 30; 35) being independent of one another. 12.- A sorting unit comprising:

- a receiving station (4) which may be fed with said groups (3) to be sorted;

- an accumulation station (8) at which said groups (3) sorted according to a pre-determined law are delivered so as to form a pallet (29) ;

- a conveyor (6) arranged between said receiving and accumulation stations (4; 8) and conveying, in use, said groups (3) along said first axis (A); and

- a plurality of sorting apparatuses (7) according to anyone of previous claims 1 to 11 and each interacting, in use, with at least one group (3) travelling onto said conveyor (6).

13.- A method for sorting groups (3) of containers (2), comprising the steps of:

- feeding said groups (3) along a first axis (A) ;

- moving an element (21) of a head (20) with respect to said frame (10) at least along one second axis (B) transversal to said first axis (A) and through first guide means (14) and slide means (13);

- moving a pair of gripping flaps (25) carried by said head (20) between a first position in which they cooperate with respective portions of at least one said group (3) and a second position in which they are detached from said portions of said at least one group ( 3 ) ; characterized in that said step of moving comprises the steps of:

- rotating said gripping flaps (25) about a third axis (D) with respect to said element (21) between said first and second position.

14.- The method for sorting according to claim 13, characterized in that said step of moving said pair of gripping flaps (25) comprises a step of displacing said gripping flaps (25) with respect to one another along a fourth axis (E) on the basis of the number of said groups (3) to grip.

15.- The method for sorting according to claims 13 or 14, characterized in that said step of moving a pair of gripping flaps (25) comprises the step of rotating said gripping flaps (25) about a fifth axis (C) transversal to said first and second axis (A, B) .

16.- The method for sorting according to anyone of claims 13 to 15, characterized by comprising the step of feeding said groups (3) on a conveyor (6), and in that said step of moving a pair of gripping flaps (25) comprises a step of displacing said gripping flaps (25) in said second position at a distance from said conveyor (6) greater than the height of said groups (3) measured along said fifth axis (C) .

17.- The method for sorting according to claim 16, characterized in that said step of moving a pair of gripping flaps (25) comprises the step of displacing said gripping flaps (25) substantially parallel to said conveyor (6) in said second position.

18.- The method for sorting according to anyone of claims 15 to 17, characterized by comprising the step of maintaining each point of said at least one group (3) in a respective plane parallel to said first and second axes (A, B) during the step of rotating said gripping flaps (25) about said fifth axis (C) .

19.- The method for sorting according to anyone of claims 13 to 18, characterized by comprising the step of moving said element (21) with respect to said frame (10) along said first axis (A) through second guide means (15) and slide means (16).